With much of the attention on the top-ticket races in last week’s election, a ballot measure in Colorado Springs that changed the city’s government structure to strong mayor got little attention outside of the city.

Springs residents went for the idea big time, voting 59-41 to approve the change from a council-manager form of government to directly electing the city’s chief executive.

Proponents say the change from a city that is run by an appointed city manager to one that is run by an elected mayor is a move into the big-time for a city.

In my experience, I’ve found it to be driven by a desire on the part of voters to have more direct control over how a city is operated. It also makes city council members weaker, and can add a layer of politics to decisions that may not have been so influenced in the council-manager form of government.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.